P-I archives: Seattle amusement parks

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The Seattle Center's Fun Forest, which was initially formed as the Gayway entertainment area for the 1962 World's Fair, added major rides in 1964 to what had been primarily an assortment of carnival games. In this spring 1965 photo, Mary Anne Norton, age 13, and Kristy Davis, 12, enjoy the Rolo Plane. (Seattlepi.com file/MOHAI collection) less

The Seattle Center's Fun Forest, which was initially formed as the Gayway entertainment area for the 1962 World's Fair, added major rides in 1964 to what had been primarily an assortment of carnival games. In ... more

Photo: P-I File

The Seattle Center's Fun Forest, which was initially formed as... Photo-803233.6816 - seattlepi.com

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A map in a May 23, 1930 Seattle Post-Intelligencer ad showing where Playland was located.

A map in a May 23, 1930 Seattle Post-Intelligencer ad showing where Playland was located.

The August 1953 fire at Playland that started in the Old Mill, also called the Tunnel of Love. (Seattlepi.com file/MOHAI collection)

The August 1953 fire at Playland that started in the Old Mill, also called the Tunnel of Love. (Seattlepi.com file/MOHAI collection)

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The August 1953 fire at Playland that started in the Old Mill, also... Photo-803225.6816 - seattlepi.com

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The August 1953 fire at Playland that started in the Old Mill, also called the Tunnel of Love. (Seattlepi.com file/MOHAI collection)

The August 1953 fire at Playland that started in the Old Mill, also called the Tunnel of Love. (Seattlepi.com file/MOHAI collection)

Photo: P-I File

The August 1953 fire at Playland that started in the Old Mill, also... Photo-803227.6816 - seattlepi.com

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The site of Bitter Lake Playfield prior to purchase by Seattle Parks and Recreation, 1961. Playland had closed in 1960. The former speedway can also be seen where a Rite-Aid and other businesses now stand. Members of the Seattle School Board looked at the Playland site in 1956 as a possible location for a junior high school. The 43-room brick building was built on a 9.8-acre site and opened in September 1963 after being named the previous year for Reginald H. Thompson, who initiated the Denny Regrade. It closed in June 1981 and reopened the following September as Broadview-Thomson Elementary. Today Broadview-Thompson is a K-8 school. (Seattle Municipal Archives/28848) less

The site of Bitter Lake Playfield prior to purchase by Seattle Parks and Recreation, 1961. Playland had closed in 1960. The former speedway can also be seen where a Rite-Aid and other businesses now stand. ... more

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The site of Bitter Lake Playfield prior to purchase by Seattle... Photo-803230.6816 - seattlepi.com

The April 2006 P-I photo caption read: Nancy Stewart of Port Orchard and her daughter Kate, 6, take in the sights while riding the Century Wheel, the Ferris wheel in Seattle Center's Fun Forest. (Dan DeLong/Seattlepi.com file) less

The April 2006 P-I photo caption read: Nancy Stewart of Port Orchard and her daughter Kate, 6, take in the sights while riding the Century Wheel, the Ferris wheel in Seattle Center's Fun Forest. (Dan ... more

Luna Park, built on a pier in West Seattle, was designed as the Coney Island of the West. The park, shown in this postcard circa 1910, was crowded with rides, amusements, an indoor swimming pool and the longest bar on the bay. Luna Park was closed in 1913, five years after it opened. less

Luna Park, built on a pier in West Seattle, was designed as the Coney Island of the West. The park, shown in this postcard circa 1910, was crowded with rides, amusements, an indoor swimming pool and the longest ... more

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Luna Park, built on a pier in West Seattle, was designed as the... Photo-803269.6816 - seattlepi.com

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Seattle's Luna Park, which opened in 1907, had a figure-eight roller coaster and water slide ride.

Seattle's Luna Park, which opened in 1907, had a figure-eight roller coaster and water slide ride.

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Seattle's Luna Park, which opened in 1907, had a figure-eight... Photo-803270.6816 - seattlepi.com

A man stands on part of the remains of Luna Park in Seattle, 1947.... Photo-803273.6816 - seattlepi.com

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During the lowest tide of the year, dozens of people visit the site of Luna Park to look for artifacts. This picture was taken in June 1999.

During the lowest tide of the year, dozens of people visit the site of Luna Park to look for artifacts. This picture was taken in June 1999.

Photo: P-I File

During the lowest tide of the year, dozens of people visit the site... Photo-803275.6816 - seattlepi.com

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The 2005 photo caption read: Richard McCleary takes advantage of today's 3.9 low tides to do some metal detecting on the beach at the site of the old Luna Park in West Seattle. McCleary works for Boeing and started metal detecting over 10-years-old. He is now a member of the Cascade Treasure Club. (Gilbert W. Arias/Seattlepi.com file) less

The 2005 photo caption read: Richard McCleary takes advantage of today's 3.9 low tides to do some metal detecting on the beach at the site of the old Luna Park in West Seattle. McCleary works for Boeing and ... more

Kate Sieler is all smiles as she rides her favorite horse at the Seattle Center, December 2002. The carousel was part of Seattle Center's Winterfest celebration. (Gilbert W. Arias/Seattlepi.com file)

Kate Sieler is all smiles as she rides her favorite horse at the Seattle Center, December 2002. The carousel was part of Seattle Center's Winterfest celebration. (Gilbert W. Arias/Seattlepi.com file)

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Kate Sieler is all smiles as she rides her favorite horse at the... Photo-814945.6816 - seattlepi.com

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The April 1976 P-I photo caption read: With one small exception, these passengers on the Galaxie, one of the most popular rides at Seattle Center's Fun Forest, seem to be having the time of their lives. (Grant M. Haller/Seattlepi.com file) less

The April 1976 P-I photo caption read: With one small exception, these passengers on the Galaxie, one of the most popular rides at Seattle Center's Fun Forest, seem to be having the time of their lives. (Grant ... more

Photo: P-I File

The April 1976 P-I photo caption read: With one small exception,... Photo-822509.6816 - seattlepi.com